Logline: After close encounters with UFOs, a group of upstate New Yorkers bond through a shared belief that They’re Here.
Is seeing believing or is the faith that something is real, enough? Whether religion or aliens, monsters or fae, the spirit world or the simulation, each totem of the supernatural has its believers with extensive theories, lore, and so-called proof to uphold their claim. While some or all could be true, some or all could merely be centuries-old deceptions that spiraled out of control. In an age of 24-hour vlogging or live streaming and “video or it didn’t happen” sentiments, the supposedly captured moments of proof are met with more skepticism than the beliefs themselves. With video editing at the fingertips of much of the world, “real” has become excruciatingly relative, and if there weren’t dozens of witnesses, good luck. Will we ever have definitive proof that any of it exists? And if it’s not hurting anyone, does it even matter? I’d be down for some aliens though.
“Who doesn’t believe in aliens.”
Is there a correlation between UFO sightings and loneliness or abandonment issues? While we may not get concrete confirmation, there might be something there. Directed by Daniel Claridge and Pacho Velez, They’re Here thoughtfully presents off-world beliefs and terrestrial truths. As videos and sightings of UFOs or UAPs as they’ve been called in recent years, grow due to cellphones and frankly the urge to escape what has become a hellscape in many ways, the belief in life outside Earth has multiplied exponentially. Aliens or the belief in them has resonated with people for generations. Is it the need to facilitate the thought that we can’t be the only ones in the vastness of the universe? Or does it feed that feeling of otherness and being an outsider? It may be a bit of both and this documentary dives into the concepts and more.
The film documents four primary participants, Cookie, Steve, Twon, and Dave. All have had some sort of encounter from seeing a flying object to being abducted multiple times. And out of these experiences and the experiences of others, a community has grown in upstate New York. Moreover, within that community, there are individual stories that are more substantial and may resonate with others here on our giant blueberry. Stories of overlooked love, finding purpose, feeling misunderstood, and trauma. Claridge and Velez approach the documentary with tenderness and open minds leading to breakthroughs for many we see on screen. The directing duo finds the true heart and humanity during their investigative quest, making this doc out of this world.
“It’s not your time to believe.”
The tone and approach of They’re Here is extremely relaxed. As the participants at times bare their souls and uncover what their attachment to the alien community means, some may leave altogether. Its runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes makes the eye-opening exploration an easy and enjoyable experience. It places you as the viewer in a position where you don’t have to decide whether or not you believe in aliens, but do you believe in people? It’s endlessly interesting and worth a watch. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Pace & Pop
As it hovers over its four primary participants, this documentary moves at a calm almost serene-like pace. Just as you become invested in more than what they may have witnessed or experienced, their interpersonal journeys, the ride comes to an ultralight beam ending. What pops is the genuine nature of the people this film focuses on. As Dave, our friend with the locs points out, more times than not when anyone shares an extraterrestrial or UFO experience, others tend to think they are crazy. Therefore, these individuals’ honesty and bravery in speaking their truth are admirable. It’s especially impressive being that we live in such a judgmental society.
Impact & Influence
I think it’s safe to say, we may never know what’s out there, at least in our lifetime. However, you have to admit, even if you say you don’t believe, some part of you is intrigued by the thought of extraterrestrial beings. Ultimately, we are not alone because we have each other. You just have to find your people, your specific kind of weird. We’re all connected in some way.
They’re Here held its World Premiere as a part of the Viewpoints section of the 2024 Tribeca Festival.
Directors: Daniel Claridge, Pacho Velez
Rated: NR
Runtime: 74m
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
